iRock Ministries

intentionally Reaching Our Community Kids

Went to Farmville VA and never left Home!

Today was my first official skype video chat with a group of kids at New Life in Farmville Virginia. Pastor Josh invited me to be part of their BGMC service through skype. It was pretty exciting. I set up a little studio background, pulled my props together and set out for Farmville Virginia with one click of the mouse. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not new to skype or the concept of video chatting. I do it all the time with my own kids but this was the first time I was live, on a Sunday, with a group of kids. It has its advantages, no travel time being the main one but it also had its disadvantages. I was locked into a smaller space and everything needed to be within sight of the computers isight. Next time I might need to enlist the help of Rusty as my camera man and change things up a little. I missed not being in the same room with the kids but being able to at least see them and entertain questions was nice. I also had the opportunity to pray for the kids and encourage them as they become missionaries in their home, neighborhoods, schools and sports teams. Thanks Josh for the opportunity and may we continue to use technology to do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight!!

Deut. 6:18 “Do what is right and good in the LORD’S sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers”

Under Construction

Have you ever been passed over for a very important job? Then you are in good company. King David had constructed buildings for himself in the City of David and pitched a tent for the ark of God. After settling into his palace he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am living in a palace of cedar while the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under a tent.” David desperately wanted to build a house for God to dwell in, but because he had been involved in so many wars and had shed so much blood in battle during his rule, God wouldn’t allow David to build the temple. He had been passed over for the job and instead gave the job to a younger less experienced man, Solomon his son. Talk about age discrimination! Not really but it could certainly have felt that way. Instead David made extensive preparations so that his son would have all the materials and expertise needed to build a magnificent temple for God. David gladly passed the torch to his son and Solomon continued what a previous generation had started.

But this lofty endeavor took more than David and Solomon; it took the participation and contributions of many people to complete the temple for God. Scripture continues to say that “Everyone rejoiced at how willingly the people gave to the building of the temple.” God no longer resides in a temple made by human hands, but now lives in the hearts of all believers. We are God’s temple and when one of the least of these is without food, water, clothing or shelter, God’s temple is damaged and needs repaired. We can all be considered ‘the people that gave’ as we give to needs around the world. Along with helping meet these physical needs the most important thing a person needs is Jesus. Along with food, water, clothing and shelter, we can bring Jesus to a hurting people when we become people that give.

This is the message I’ve been bringing to children throughout our district. Let me come and share this message so that children will be given an opportunity to be part of a people that gave willingly to the temple of God.

Take some time and read 1 Chronicles 17,22, 28 and 29 for the full story

Committed to children

My travels take me to many different locations, different size churches and different levels of commitment to reaching children. God has blessed me with a work that allows me to provide help regardless of the venue. One such place that has touched my heart is Warrenton AG with Pastor Hurley and Bonnie Shortt. They are such an inspiration and source of encouragement as I watch them speak into the lives of their congregation. They touch young and old as they exemplify what it means to live as Christ.

During my initial visit I met the team that would step out of comfort zones and make strides in reaching the children in their community for Christ. During our session I had the opportunity to share the sheer joy of reaching children using different methods and approaches. Regardless of the technique used, I impressed on them that the most effective way to teach children is simply through love. This team, though small, have a genuine desire to reach children with the message of Jesus’ love and forgiveness and I’m looking forward to seeing what God does in and through each of them.

Following the session, the leaders were invited to observe as I demonstrated various methods of teaching during the kids service. Though the group was small their willingness to participate was encouraging and exciting. They were engaged in the service as I taught about the importance of sharing their specific gifts and talents with those that need to hear about Jesus. What sweet spirits. Although my methods of sharing the lesson were different than what they were accustomed to they adapted and entered into the service with excitement and enthusiasm.

Kids enjoy the unexpected and being asked to participate in the activities as much as the teacher enjoys seeing their kids engaged in the message.

I’d like to thank all of you who serve and give of your time and enthusiams as you touch the lives of children for eternity.

2Cor. 8:17 For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative.